Latch mechanism



June 28, 1932. J. P, McKlNEY, JR 1,865,128

LATCH MECHANISM Filed Oct. 13, 1.950

Patented June 28, 1932 i UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE JAMES P. MCKINNEY, JB.,

F PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 MCKINNEY PENNSYLVANIA LATCH HECHANISM Application led October 13, 1930. Serial lvm-188,208.

This invention relates broadly tox latch mechanism, and more particularly to mechanism for reciprocable latches for doors,

closets and the like. It relates still more p articularly to an improved latch construction which is rendered very easy of assembly and disassembly.

The invention further relates to latch structures of the type having a separately reciprocable bolt member and retractor therefor so that upon pushing closed a door equipped with such a structure the bolt member only is forced back into the casmg and the reciprocable retracting member is not operated. Separate springs are preferably provided for the bolt member and retracting member so that although a light tension may be applied to the bolt member alone, as is desirable, a heavier tension may be applied to the retractor, which heavier tension is communicated to the door handle or knob. This is particularly desirable in latch structures of the heavier type in which a firm knob tension should be provided without unduly tensioning the bolt member itself.

I provide latch mechanism comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein,

a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate means Within the casing for separately ur ing the bolt member and retractor outward y with respect thereto. I further provide latch mechanism comprising a casing, a guide pin mounted on the casing and adapted to extend within the same, and bolt mechanism slidably guided by such pin, such pin being readily detachable from the casing to assist in assembling and disassembling the latch mechanism.

I also provide latch mechanism comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocably mounted therein, a retractor for the bolt member slidably mounted on the boltymember, means for operating the retractor, and means for deadlocking the retractor while still permitting slidable movement of the bolt mem er therein.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of a present preferred embodiment thereof proceeds.

In the accompanying drawing I have shown a present preferred embodiment of the invention, wherein 1g. 1 1s a vertical cross-sectional view through a door having a latch structure applied thereto;

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of the latch structure shown in Fig. l viewed at right angles to Fig. l;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view through the latch mechanism; and

Figs 4, 5 and Gare vertical cross-sectional views through the latch mechanism, showmg the respective parts thereof in various operative positions.

The latch structure of the described embodiment of the invention is of the general type of that disclosed and claimed in the copending application of William E. Wread, Serial No. 472,094, filed July 31, 1930, for the reissue of Patent No. 1,720,636 for latch unit, which application is owned by applicants assignee.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown in vertical cross-section in Fig. 1 a door 2 provided with a transverse bore 3. The door is also provided with a lateral bore (not shown) communicating with the transverse bore 3 and extending laterally to the free edge of the door. Mounted in the transverse bore 3 of the door 2 is a casing comprised of a generally cylindrical body member 4 having a head 5 provided integrally with a smaller outwardly extending cylindrical bearing portion 6. Connected with the opposite side of the casing body is a removable head 7 having integral therewith an outwardly extending cylindrical bearing portion 8 similar to the bearing portion 6.

The casing body 4 is provided in its cylindrical surface with a generally radially eX- tendin substantially cylindrical hole 9. Threa edly connected with the casing body substantially directly opposite the hole 9 is a guide pin 10. For attachment of the guide pin the casing body has a threaded hole through which the body of the pin is adapted to pass and into which an enlarged threaded head 11 of the pin is adapted to be screwed, the pin also having a further enlarged head flange 12 provided with a slot 13 for the reception of a screw driver. Thus the guide pin 10 is readily attachable and detachable with respect to the casing body from the outside of the casing, greatly facilitating assembly and disassembly of the latch unit. When the pin is screwed tightly into the casing body, its head flange 12 abuts against a shoulder 12a provided on the casing to insure proper positioning of the pin, and the pin is held rigidly with its body projecting into the casing substantially directly opposite the hole 9.

Slidably mounted with respect to the casing body 4, extending within the hole 9 and guided by the pin 10, is a bolt carrier 14. The bolt carrier is preferably formed hollow, its inner extremity slidably receiving the pin 10, whereby to positively position and guide the carrier within the casing and substantially directly opposite the hole 9, and its outer extremity being preferably threaded for the reception of a bolt 15 to the outer end of which is threaded a head 16. The effective length of the bolt may be adjusted by turning it with respect to the carrier 14.

The bolt carrier 14 has a smooth substantially cylindrical outer sur-face 17 from which intermediate the extremities of the carrier projects outwardly an annular flange 18. Biased between the back of the casing body 4 and the flange 18 and surrounding the pin 10, and hence normally tending to urge the bolt carrier outwardly through the opening 9, is a coil spring 19 of relatively light construction for a reason to be presently made clear. Slidably mounted upon the outer surface 17 of the bolt carrier 14 forwardly of the flange 18 and guided for reciprocation in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the bolt carrier and relatively to the bolt carrier is a retracting member 20. Preferably the bolt carrier and the retracting member 20 are splined together so that although relative reciprocation between them is permitted, they cannot rotate relatively to one another. The splined connection between such members is omitted in the drawing for the sake of elearness.

The retracting member 20 has upwardly and downwardly extending crosshead portions 21 for a purpose to be presently described. Biased between the retracting mem-` ber 20 and the back of the casing body is a coil spring 22 which substantially surrounds the coil spring 19 and also the guide pin 10. The coil spring 22 is relatively heavy with respect to the coil spring 19 and imparts a substantially greater pressure to the retractor 20 than the spring 19 imparts to the bolt carrier 14. The two springs are in effect nested one within the other and thus exert substantially coaxial compressive forces. Consequently the possibility of any tendency toward tilting of the retractor with respect to the bolt carrier is minimized, undue friction between the working parts is practically eliminated, and any noise created by friction of the moving parts against one another is greatly reduced. Such a spring arrangement has decided advantages over constructions using a plurality of eccentric springs, as if one of such springs should become bent or broken there would be a tendency for relative tilting between the latch members.

Journaled in each of thc bearing portions 6 and 8 ofthe casing is a spindle 23 with which is connected a bearing sleeve 24 adapted to lie within the corresponding bearin g portion and having at its outer extremity an outwardly turned annular flange 25 adapted to bear against the outer extremityv of the bearing portion. Connected with the inner end of each bearing sleeve 24 is a plate 2G adapted to lie against a slight annular inward projection 27 formed on the casing and serving as a bearing member so that each spindle with the bearing sleeve and plate carried thereby is adapted for free rotation with respect to the corresponding bearing portion of the casing. Each spindle is maintained against axial movement by the plate 26 and the iange 25, which are effective for substantially embracing the corresponding cylindrical bearing portion of the casing. The inner extremity of each spindle is outwardly vflared against the corresponding plate 26, as shown at 28.

Connected with the inner face of each of the plates 26 is a retracting cam 29 the opposite extremities of which are `normally adapted to bear against one side of the retractor 20 when the retractor is projected as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 6, the spring 22 cooperating with the cam 29 for maintaining the retractor in normal position within the casing. The spring 19 normally urges the bolt carrier 14 outwardly of the casing and maintains the flange or shoulder 18 in contact with the retracting member 20. Thus the outward positions of both the bolt carrier and the retractor are determined by the cam 29.

The removable head 7 of the casing is provided with a slot 3() through which passes a locking slide 31 having an upwardly turned outer extremity 32 into which is threaded an operating button 33. The locking slide 31 is slidably mounted in suitable grooves provided in the casing body 4 and is adapted to move transversely of the casing upon operation of the button 33. The slide has a downwardly directed inner extremity 34 which normally lies substantially above the center of the casing. The respective crosshead portions 21 of the retractor 20 are provided substantially centrally with slots 35, the one of such slots which happens to be uppermost, depending on whether the latch mechanism is used 1n a. rightor a left-hand door, being adapted to receive the downward extension 34 of the locking slide 31 so that when such extension is within such slot free reciprocation of the retracting member is permitted. However, when the operating button 33 is pulled somewhat outwardly with respect to the casing, the portion 34 of the locking slide moves out of line with the corresponding slot 35 of the crosshead and is positioned behind the crosshead whereby to deadlock the same against retraction. The position of the locking member behind the crosshead member is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The downwardly extending portion 34 of the locking slide is made of the proper width to also deadlock the retractor 2O in retracted position if desired. The retractor is shown in retracted position in Fig. 5, and when it is in such position the porton 34 of the locking slide (not shown in such ligure) may be moved out of line with the slot 35, thus holding the crosshead in retracted position independently of the retracting lug 29. A deadlocking slide construction similar to that above described is described and claimed in the copending application of Harry E. Woernle, Serial No. 412,083, led Dec. 6, 1929, which application is owned by applicants assignee.

The head 7 is maintained in lace on the casing body 4 by bolts 36 w ich extend through the casing-and engage the head 5 at the opposite side thereof. The position of the head 7 relatively to the casing may be reversed when it is desired to use the latch mechanism in a door of opposite hand, whereby to provide for the locking slide 31 to be disposed upwardly regardless of the hand of the door. The casing as a whole is adapted to be adjustably positioned within the bore 3 of the door 2 by means of ositioning plates 37 disposed at opposite sldes of the door and engaging the door at the edges of the bore 3. Bolts 38 pass through the respective plates 37 and through the casing and enable the plates to be tightened against the door. The casing may thereby be positioned 4as desired in the direction of the plane of the door. After such positioning in the directtion of the plane of the door, the casing can be adjusted transversely of the door by sliding movement upon the respective bolts 38. This feature is described and claimed in the copending application of Harry E. Woernle, Serial No. 399,528, filed October 14, 1929, which application is owned by applicants assignee.

Each of the bearing portions 6 and 8 of the casing is externally threaded and a positioning collar 39 is adapted to be screwed thereon. Cooperating with each positioning collar is a face plate or rosette 4() adapted to be pressed againstthe door when Vthe collar is tightened up on the casing. By relative adjustment of the respective collars the position of the casing transversely of the door may be adjusted as desired. The face plate at the inner side of the door is provided with an opening 41 through which the button ,33 for the locking slide 31 is adapted to be opera-ted.` Threaded to each of the spindles 23 is a `knob 42.

' In operation, when the portion 34 of the locking slide 31 is in line with the slot 35 in the upper crosshead portion 21, turning of either knob 42 in either direction Will cause rotation of the plate 26 and consequently of the cam 29, thereby withdrawing the retractor 20 and carrying with it the bolt carrier 14 and the bolt itself, as shown in Fig. 5. The turning of the knob effects the retraction of the bolt against the combined action of the springs 19 and 22, such springs imparting a substantial resistance to the knob, as is particularly desirable with doors and units of relatively heavy construction. Release of the knob allows the carrier and retractor to be urged outwardly by the springs 19 and 22, thus projecting the bolt.

When a door is pushed shut without turning either knob, the beveled face 43 of the bolt head 16 will engage the striker plate, thus camming the bolt and bolt carrier inwardly of the casing against the action of the spring 19, but without moving the retractor 20, as shown in Fig. 6. This is desirable because as little resistance as possible should be offered-to the inward movement of the bolt when the door is closed in such manner. A differential resilient action is thus imparted to the bolt and carrier so that the desired amount of pressure is imparted to each of such devices at all times.

The locking slide 31 is effective in the manner heretofore explained for locking the retractor 20, but has no effect on the bolt itself. This is desirable because one may wish on leaving a room to first open the door and then set the locking slide to locked position and then push the door shut from the outside. The door will shut and cannot be opened by turning the outside lmob. This would not be possible with a construction in which the locking slide deadlocks the bolt itself. Furthermore,l if a door is substantially closed the locking slide may be brought into locking position even though due to some irregularity in the door frame the bolt may not be proj ected into the hole provided in the frame to its full extent. In such cases when a locking slide for the bolt itself is used it is necessary that the bolt be fully projected before the locking slide can be brought into locking position. When the retractor and bolt are in retracted position the locking slide will, however, be effective for maintaining the bolt itself retracted due to the fact that when the retractor is withdrawn into the casing it carlll ries the bolt with it and the bolt cannot be' projected until the retractor is released.

Assembly and disassembly of the latch structure is rendered very easy by reason of the threaded connection between the guide in 10 and the casin After the head 8 has been removed and t e uide pin unscrewed and withdrawn outward y, the springs 19 and 22 are free to be removed from the end of the carrier, and after the bolt 15 has been unscrewed the carrier and retractor may be withdrawn from the casing.

The bolt head 16 will under usual circumstances be guided in a guide member positioned in the lateral bore at the edge of the door so that rotation of it is positively prevented and the desired adjustment of the latch may be maintained. The effective length of the bolt may be ad]usted without varying the spring tension thereon.

lVhile I have shown and described a present preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be distinctly understood that the same 1s not limited thereto, but may be otherwise variously embodied within the scope of the following claims.

I claim:

1. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein, a sleevelike retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being concentrically mounted and being relatively reciprocable, and separate means within the casing for separately arg#` ing the bolt member and retractor outwardly with respect thereto.

2. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate means, both bearing against the rear wall of the casing, for separately urging the bolt member and retractor outwardly with respect thereto.

3. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate coil springs, one inside the other and both bearing against the casing, for separately urging the bolt member and retractor outwardly with respect to the casing. l

4. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member Areciprocable therein, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate concentric coil springs, one entering the other, one biased against the bolt member and the other against the retractor.

5. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein and adjustable as to length, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt member and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate means for separately urging the bolt member and retractor outwardly with respect to the casing and biased, respectively) between a rear surface of the bolt member and retractor and the rear casing wall, the length of the bolt member being adapted to be adjusted without varying the effect of the said means cooperating therewith. v

6. Latch mechanism, comprising a casin a bolt member reciprocable therein and a ju's'table as to length, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing, the bolt fnember and retractor being relatively reciprocable, and separate means for separately urging the bolt member and the retractor outwardly with respect to the casing, such lmeans cooperating with the bolt member being effective againstthe rear portion thereof and also bearing against the rear casing wall so tha t. the effect of such means is not varied by varying the length of the bolt member.

7. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member recprocablc therein, a ret-ractor for the bolt member reciprocable in the casing. the retractor being slidably mounted about the bolt vmember means for urging the bolt member outwardly with rcspcct to the casing. and a eoil spring for separately urging the retractor outwardlyT with respect to the casing, such coil spring eing substantially coaxial with respect to the bolt member.

8. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a stationary guide pin mounted therein, a bolt member reciprocably mounted in the casing in guiding relationship to said guide pin, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocably carried about and guided by the bolt member and means for operating the retractor to retract vthe bolt member.

9. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocably mounted in the casing, a guide pin entering the bolt member, a retracting sleeve for the bolt member slidablc thereon relatively thereto and carried and maintained in position thereby, and means for` operating the retracting sleeve to retract the bolt member.

10. Latch mechanism, Acomprising a casing, bolt mechanism adapted for reciprocation with res ect thereto, and guide means for the bolt mec anism, such guide means being connected with and extending within the casing, being supported thereby independently of the bolt mechanism and being readily disconnectible therefrom by manipulation from the outside of the casing.

11. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, bolt mechanism adapted for reciprocation with respect therto, and a guide member for the bolt mechanism, such guide member being adapted to extend within the casing, being threadedly connected therewith and being adapted to be connected and disconnected therewith by manipulation from the outside of the casing.

12. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, bolt mechanism adapted for reciprocation with respect thereto, and a guide member for the bolt mechanism, such guide member being adapted to extend within the casin and being screw-threaded to and thereby directly supported from the casing so as to be readily disconnectable therefrom.

13. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a guide pin adapted to extend substantially rigidly within the casing and having a threaded head threaded directly into the casing wall, and bolt mechanism slidably mounted on such pin.

14. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a guide pin mounted on the casing and adapted to extend into the same through an opening, and bolt mechanism slidably guided by such pin, such pin being readily detachable from the casing and removable outwardly therefrom through such opening to'assist in assembling and disassembling of the latch mechanism.

15. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a guide member projecting inwardly thereof, a bolt member slidably mounted about the guide member, a retractor for the bolt member mounted in the casing andl reciprocable with respect to the bolt member, and separate springs 1n the Casing biased against the bolt member and retractor respectively.

16. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a guide member projecting inwardly thereof, a separate relativel slidable bolt member and retractor there or guided by the guide member, and separate coil springs disposed about the guide member and biased against the bolt member and retractor respectively.

17. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a separate relatively slidable bolt member and retractor there or guided in the casing, a coil spring biased against the retractor, and a coil spring of less effect than the first mentioned coil spring disposed inside the first mentioned coil spring and biased against the v bolt member. l

18. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a guide pin screw threaded to the casing for ready disconnection therefrom, and a substantially coaxial bolt member and retractor therefor relatively reci rocable in the casing and guided by said guide pin.

19. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocably mounted therein, a retractor for the bolt member slidably mounted on' and held in place by the bolt member, means for operating the retractor, and means for deadlocking the retractor while still permitting slidable movement of the bolt member therein.

20. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocably mounted therein, a retractor for the bolt member reciprocable with respect thereto and guided and held in place thereby, the bolt member and retractor being separately biased, means for operating the retractor, and means for deadlocking the retractor while still permitting slidable movement of the bolt member.

21. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing provided with an opening, a guide adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from said casing through said opening and detachably fastened to the casing adjacent said opening, and a substantially coaxial bolt member and retractor therefor relatively reciprocable in the casing and guided by said guide.

22. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing provided with an opening, a guide adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from said casingthrough said opening and detachably threaded to the casing and normally contained entirely within the contines thereof, and a bolt member reciprocable in the casing and adapted to be guided by said guide.

23. Latch mechanism, comprising a casing, a bolt member reciprocable therein, a generally sleeve-like retractor for the bolt member, said retractor being'disposed about the bolt member and being mounted for slidable movement in the casing, and separate means for urging the bolt member and retractor outwardly of the casing.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JAMES P. MoKINNEY,JR. 

